[3] [4] This species is found in regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

[5] Larinus onopordi is univoltine, undergoing one generation per year.

[5] [6] [2] Larvae develop in the capitulum, eating and destroying the seeds.

Pupation occurs in late summer, and a new generation of adults emerge after a few days.

[7] The braconid wasp Bracon facialis has been reared from the pupal stage.